Happy August, folks! This is the final month of wet, hot, American summer before the cooler breezes of fall kick in, and we’re going to make it count, am I right?

If you haven’t taken your summer vacation yet, now’s the time. The air is warm, the days are long, and the kids still haven’t gone back to school. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, an adult escape from the little ones, or just a plain old romp in the summer sun, this is your last chance until next year!

So let’s get it together and plan that last big summer trip, shall we? Let’s go!

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Windy City, now’s the time! August means warm weather and the legendary Lollapalooza music festival in Chi Town, and you don’t want to miss out. Headbanging your way through August sounds like the best vacation ever, am I right?

In between ‘palooza sets, there’s tons to see and do in the city itself. The architecture in Chicago is world famous, so make sure to take it all in. Spy the Willis Tower as you wander around the city, or take a fancy architecture cruise to admire the skyline.

When you’ve sufficiently nerded out about the buildings, get ready for an overdose of culture. If visual art is your thing, head over to the Art Institute or to the outdoor sculpture grounds of Millenium Park. If you’re a music buff, hit one of the city’s many jazz or blues venues after dark, where you’re almost certain to see some famous faces. Looking for laughs? Head over to the Laugh Factory, where comedians like Tina Fey got their start. And of course, don’t forget about the pizza. Noms!

Want a more exotic getaway? It doesn’t get any cooler than the Maldives. This island nation off the coast of India is typically associated with luxury—and by association, big price tags. But! August is considered the rainy season, meaning you’ll see prices drop significantly. Rainstorms this time of year are super quick and barely interfere with your travel time, so we’d call this a giant opportunity to experience off-season luxury on a budget.

Lounge on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, go snorkeling with stingrays, and scuba dive with whale sharks. There’s no better place to head underwater than the Maldives. Don’t forget your bathing suits! Obviously.

Heading a little closer to home, August is the best month for Elvis fans to be traveling.

You heard me. Elvis fans, pack your bags. You’re going to Elvis Week in Memphis, Tennessee. Every August, the legend’s Graceland home hosts a weeklong tribute to the late, great, Elvis Presley, and the city floods with diehard fans. If you’re hoping for an Elvis sighting, this is most definitely your best chance to see the king.

The week includes live music, film screenings of the King’s credits, dancing, panel discussions, Elvis impersonator contests, and more, finishing with an all-night candlelight vigil. Make sure you take some time amidst the activities to check out the King’s famous home, Graceland.

If you can’t decide between a relaxing, beach getaway and a historical site seeing trip, never fear! Croatia’s got you covered on both fronts.

New to independence—Croatia only became its own sovereign national as recently as 1991—this Adriatic country is one of the fastest growing destinations in Europe. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik, a medieval town with gorgeous views and tons of history. Make sure to walk along the famous City Walls which, at 82 feet tall, have protected the town from invaders since the Middle Ages. Seriously!

When you’ve had your fill of history, head over to the coastline—or to one of Croatia’s 1,200 islands—for some time in the sand. As an added bonus, Croatia’s local currency is kind to the dollar, meaning your beachside getaway will be more affordable here than it would be in neighboring European countries. Score!

If you love to samba, Brazil should be on your must-visit list this month. Technically winter in the Southern hemisphere, you’ll be able to take advantage of lower, off-season rates all over this gorgeous, South American nation. But! If you’re not anxious to get a head start on cooler weather, never fear. Northern Brazil is close enough to the Equator to have near perfect weather all year round.

If you want to stay warm, keep your trip up North. Rio and its surrounding areas are warm and sunny this time of year, which is perfect for site seeing and beach bumming. If the cold doesn’t bother you, head south to check out UNESCO World Heritage Site Iguacu Falls. Crowds will be smaller this time of year, and you’re less likely to get rained out of this outdoor adventure—two great reasons it’s worth it to bundle up!

August is a great time to be traveling, am I right? Where will you be headed this month to close out your summer vacation? Let us know in the comments!

About The Author

Hannah Winsten is a freelance writer and marketing consultant living in New York City. A total travel junkie, Hannah came to CheapOair as a French translator and SEM associate after returning from a stint living abroad in Paris. She’s also working on her first book--you know you want to read it. Find her on Twitter at @HannahRWinsten.

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